Norway - Specific requirements by the Norwegian Administration

Revision of 11 August 2026

Flag instructions relating to statutory surveys

Flag procedural requirements

Standing requirements
Standing requirements	Action by
1- Reporting on entry into class	MOC
2- Reporting on requests for exemptions or interpretations	MOC
3- Reporting on cases of major deficiencies, as per IACS Recommendation No. 98 (Duties of surveyors under statutory conventions and codes)	MOC
4- Pre-authorisation prior to extending statutory certificates	MOC
5- Pre-authorisation prior to issuing short term certificates	MOC
6- Reporting on detentions	DO-FM
7- Submission of copies of statutory certificates	DO-FM
8- Reporting on class suspension or class modification	MOC
9- Reporting on class withdrawal	MOC

General policy

Agreement

An Agreement has been signed between the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and Recognised Organisation (RO) SA with an entry into force on 01/08/2025. The Agreement is complemented by six annexes addressing specific topics as follows (see Agreement governing the surveys and certification of ships to Annex VII to the Agreement):

Annex I, Ships registered in the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS).
The scope of the authorisation is clearly detailed. It is a full authorisation.
Annex II, Ships registered in the Norwegian Ordinary Ship Register (NOR).
The authorisation is a limited authorisation.
Annex III, Ships registered in the Norwegian Ordinary Ship Register (NOR) upon request of the owner.
The owner may request that Recognised Organisation (RO) be authorised to carry out all the statutory certification. If so, the scope of authorisation is the same as specified by Annex I.
Annex IV, Supervision by the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) of duties delegated to RO.
Annex V, Special authorisation.
This annex provides for an authorisation which is outside the scope of the Agreement and addresses ships registered in both the NIS and the NOR Registers.

Annex VII, ships registered in the Norwegian Shipbuilding Register (NSR) and which will fly a foreign flag after delivery from a Norwegian ship yard to the owner

Electronic Certificates

(Statement from the Administration dated 05/05/2017)

Organisations authorised to survey and issue certificates to ships registered in a Norwegian ship register, may issue such certificate electronically i.e. E-Certs.

E-Certs issued by a RO acting on the behalf of the Administration, shall contain the features identified in FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2 section 4.

Exemption and Interpretation

Interpretation of relevant IMO instruments and exemption from statutory requirements are the NMA’s prerogative. Issuance exemption certificate is subject to prior agreement by the Flag Administration. Marine Centres should forward the request for exemption to the Administration.

Refer also to Instructions to Class:

No. 3-2012 in the attached file “Instructions to Class 3-2012”
No. 2-2017 in the attached file “Instructions to Class 2-2017 Rev. 3_final”.
This document, which applies to cargo ships registered in a Norwegian ship register, instruct RO of the NMA’s acceptance criteria for:
- granting certain exemptions to ships
- allowing a ship to continue its service when certain systems or pieces of equipment cannot be repaired or replaced.

Surveys conducted and certificates issued by Recognised Organisation (RO) - Clarification

Refer to Annex II to the agreement (Annex II to the Agreement - Ships NOR registered - Limited Statutory Delegation).

Passenger ships classed with Recognised Organisation (RO)

The society is only authorized to perform surveys and issue/endorsed certificates relevant to MARPOL (Annexes I, IV and VI), IAFS and BWM.

Fishing vessels classed with Recognised Organisation (RO)

The society is only authorized to perform surveys and issue / endorse certificates relevant to MARPOL (Annexes I, IV and VI), IAFS and BWM.

For fishing vessels with length over all of 15m and above, when outside Norway, the society is allowed to perform initial, periodical and renewal radio surveys and endorse the “Trading Certificate”.

The authorisation may also apply to fishing vessels not in class located in ports outside Norway (see Non-convention Cargo ships).

Barges classed with Recognised Organisation (RO)

The society is only authorized to perform surveys and issue / endorse certificates relevant to Load Line, MARPOL (Annexes I, IV and VI), IAFS and BWM.

Survey of non convention ships

The society perform radio survey and certification according to SOLAS Chapter V (see Non-convention Cargo ships).

Ships registered in the Norwegian Ordinary Ship Register (NOR) upon request of the owner

Refer to Annex III to the agreement (Annex III to the Agreement).

Upon owner’s application, and subject to NOR agreement, the society may carry out survey, verification and certification functions on behalf of NMA with respect to cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards, classed with Recognised Organisation (RO), that have or shall have international certificates

All statutory certificates shall be issued by the society. The scope of authorisation is the same as for ships registered in the NIS, refer to the NIS flag procedure.

Copy of issued or endorsed tonnage certificates shall be forwarded to the NMA and the Nowegian Ordinary Ship Register (NOR): Nowegian Ordinary Ship Register (NOR) P.O. Box 73 Nygårdstangen N-5838 BERGEN Norway

Refer also to Confirmation of voluntary delegation (Cargo ships in international trade registered in NOR with gross tonnage of 500 and over) for the confirmation of voluntary delegation.

Extensions of the validity of statutory certificates required by certain international conventions

Refer to Instructions to Class no. 03/2012 in the attached file “Instructions to Class 3-2012”.

Registration in NOR

Declaration of safety to the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) required prior to registration in NIS / NOR

Refer to Instructions to Class no. 04/2012 (see the attached file “Instructions to Class 4-2012”).

The declaration shall be drafted by the attending Survey Centre which sends it to MOC. The MOC will forward it to the NMA on email: nis-nor@sdir.no

Tonnage

In case of change of flag, the existing tonnage certificate issued by a foreign Administration or another Classification Society has to be at first accepted temporarily, and a copy of the approved certificate - duly corrected as to the call signal, nationality and if necessary ship name, homeport and owner - shall be submitted immediately to the Administration either by the Head Office or MOC, before the actual date of change of Flag. This certificate shall be given endorsement “Valid as tonnage certificate for the registration of the above named ship in NOR” and signed.
The NMA will use it for issuance of their Certificate of Nationality.
NMA requires that a foreign tonnage certificate which temporarily has been approved by the Society for a NOR ship should at least include the Norwegian call signal and the Norwegian name as given in the “Certificate of Name”, which the Society has received from NMA for the relevant ship, to avoid that the certificate submitted to NMA and NOR be linked with the wrong ship.
A new certificate is issued on behalf of the NMA upon satisfactory completion of the change of Flag survey.When an International Tonnage Certificate (1969) is put on board a ship, any previous tonnage certificates shall be withdrawn and sent back to their issuing Authorities.

The ship shall be marked as required by the Norwegian Regulation of 26 July 1994. A marking report shall be completed.

Confirmation of voluntary delegation (Cargo ships in international trade registered in NOR with gross tonnage of 500 and over)

Refer to Instructions to Class no. 04/2012 in the attached file “Instructions to Class 4-2012”.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is to issue the following statement:

“Statement of voluntary delegation according to the Annex III of the Agreement This is to confirm that the shipowner or the authorized shipping company has requested Recognised Organisation (RO) to carry out all statutory functions on behalf of the NMA in accordance with Annex III of the Agreement, and Recognised Organisation (RO) accepts to issue the required statutory certificates as applicable”

The statement shall be drafted by the attending Survey Centre which sends it to MOC. The MOC will forward it to the NMA on email: nis-nor@sdir.no, together with the ship owner’s or the authorized shipping company’s request.

Trading permits for trial runs, presentation or delivery voyages to ships

Refer to Annex VII to the Agreement

This applies to ships:

built at a Norwegian yard, and
that will fly a foreign flag after delivery from the yard, and
registered in the Norwegian Shipbuilding Register (NSR) - whilst being constructed

Untitled

(Letter from the NMA dated 11^th June 2013)

The system comprises the Annex VII to the Agreement between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the ROs (the Agreement), guidance in the form of a checklist that should be used during the process of verifying that a trading permit may be issued and lastly an endorsement form attesting the parties mutual acceptance of the authorization as detailed in Annex VII.

Norwegian flagged passenger ships, cargo ships with overall length 15 meters or more and fishing vessels with length 10.67 m or more that undertake voyages, including trial runs, presentation or delivery voyages, require certification by the NMA that proves such ships seaworthy. The Norwegian system for the certification of ships does not apply to foreign flagged ships. Foreign flagged ships that call at Norwegian ports, may of course be subjected to port state control in accordance with international law.

For ships registered in the NSR and which will fly a foreign Flag after delivery, the Norwegian legal system does not in general require certification of such ship before delivery from the yard to the foreign owner. The above also applies whilst such ships undertake trial runs, presentation or delivery voyages prior to the delivery from the yard to the foreign owner.

The trading permit system detailed in this letter with a planned enter-into-force date 1^st July 2013 does not introduce any new requirements on private legal subject. On the other hand, the system will authorize an RO to issue a trading permit to ships registered in the NSR and which will fly a foreign Flag after delivery from the yard and for which the yard or another competent body or organisation voluntarily requests a trading permit survey and a trading permit to be issued.

The authorization applies to ships:

registered in the NSR
which are not yet delivered from a Norwegian yard to a foreign owner
that will fly a foreign flag after the delivery from a Norwegian yard to a foreign owner
engaged on trial runs, presentation or delivery voyages in Norway
classed by a society recognized by Norway
built according to the rules and regulation of a class society recognized by Norway
built according to the relevant international requirements adopted and promulgated by a Party (Flag State) to the relevant international conventions
surveyed by a class society recognized both by the foreign Flag State (the other Party) and Norway
for which the yard has requested a trading permit survey and a trading permit be issued

Guidance in the form of 3 checklists complements the new Annex VII to the Agreement. The inspections required and covered by those checklists complement the class society’s surveys, inspections and follow-up according to the society’s own quality system applied during the class society’s approbation of applicable and relevant plans and documents and subsequent on board verification.

The inspections required and covered by the checklists referred to in above paragraph, do not relieve the class society from any of its obligations established under its contract with the yard or under its agreement as an organization recognized by the other Party to the international conventions.

Clarifications

(Email from the Administration dated 17^th June 2013)

“The permit applies only in relation to a ship that will fly a foreign Flag after delivery from the yard to the owner. In this context, the word “foreign” refers to the country in which the ship is registered. Whether the owner is domiciled in Norway or not, is of no relevance”.

Untitled

Upon request from the yard or another competent body, a survey is to be carried out and the corresponding checklist as per the attached files in Annex VII to the Agreement is to be duly completed.

(The Recognised Organisation (RO) statements included in the column “comments” of the checklist are to be kept when issuing the final checklist; other factual comments may be added as found necessary.)

Status of previously adopted NIS Circulars and Instructions to Class (ItC)

Refer to Instructions to Class 3-2014 rev.5 in attached files.

Acts, Regulations and Circulars

Refer to Norwegian Maritime Authority website: https://www.sdir.no/en/legislation/

Refer also Status of previously adopted NIS Circulars and Instructions to Class (ItC).

Unscheduled inspections

(Instruction to Class 2-2018)

Unscheduled inspections apply to ships registered in the Norwegian Ordinary Ship Register (NOR), when the ship owner requests that all statutory functions be carried out by Recognised Organisation (RO).

Unscheduled inspection may take place at any time. Unscheduled inspections shall include inspections of any condition which actually or potentially may compromise the fitness of the ship to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board, or of a ship presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment. The ship owner or the ship owner’s representative shall assist Recognised Organisation (RO) during unscheduled inspections.

Selection of ships due for an Unscheduled Inspection:
- Unscheduled inspections should be carried out annually on approximately 10% of the average number of delegated ships;
- When deemed appropriate, unscheduled inspections can be initiated by the surveyor in charge in combination with other services delivered by Recognised Organisation (RO);
- Selecting ships for unscheduled inspections should be based on the perceived risk profile of the ROs’ portfolio of ships registered in a Norwegian ship register. Ships which evidently are maintained or operated at sub-standard levels, should be prioritised for ROs’ unscheduled inspections.
Scope of unscheduled inspections initiated by RO:
- When relevant for delegated ships, the NMA’s annual focus campaign check list shall apply and be used during ROs’ unscheduled inspections in addition to the ordinary checklist;
- The surveyor shall verify that the ship’s manning and required qualifications as well as relevant operating arrangements comply with the Safe Manning Document;
- All statutory certificates shall be verified for their validity;
- Any outstanding statutory deficiencies and conditions of class shall be surveyed;
- A visual inspection with the scope of either:
  - an annual general class survey;- the statutory part of a mandatory annual survey;- the annual Load Line Survey, or- items to be surveyed under other statutory certificates.
The scope of unscheduled inspections requested by the NMA will be decided in each separate case.
Reporting in relation to unscheduled inspections:
- The scope, the outcome and deficiencies recorded during an unscheduled inspection shall be reported in accordance with the normal practice of the RO for the type of survey carried out;
- A report which contains the aggregate number of unscheduled inspections during the preceding year shall be sent annually to the NMA by the end of January; The report shall contain a summary of vessels surveyed and a short listing of deficiencies or condition of class issued – if any.
Fees for unscheduled inspections:
- ROs shall not charge the ship owner fees for unscheduled inspections. RO may charge the ship owner for work carried out as part of additional surveys as a result of deficiencies observed during unscheduled inspections;
- Unscheduled inspections requested by the NMA shall be charged to the NMA and incur fees according the NMA’s tariff of fees in force at the time when the unscheduled inspections were carried out.

For further information, refer to attached file “IC 2-2018”.

Change of flag and acceptance of plans

(Instructions To Class 2-2019 (rev.1))

Save for the instructions in paragraphs b), c) and d) below, the plans set out in annex I (Annex I) need no re-approval in conjunction with change of flag, when: - the ship after change of flag is operated by the same entity which operated the ship prior to change of flag and the Document of Compliance (DOC) is issued either - by or on the behalf of an EEA-administration, or - by an RO which is a member of IACS.
Annex I
Stability and damage control plans for offshore support vessels and vessels designed for towing, registered in the Norwegian Ordinary Ship register, shall be submitted to the NMA for verification, consideration and re-approval (see Note below).
Stability and damage control plans for offshore support vessels and vessels designed for towing, registered in the Norwegian International Ship register, shall be verified, considered and approved by the RO (see Note below).
Plans which refers to or which are based on exemptions or equivalent solutions approved by the losing flag, shall be forwarded to the NMA for its consideration.
Plans, for which re-approvals are not required, ref. a) above, shall be stamped to identify that subject plans are accepted on the behalf of the NMA.

Conversions

The Administration does not require to be contacted by Recognised Organisation (RO) to decide whether a conversion shall be considered as Major or not.

LL 66

Load Line surveys

The delegation covers cargo ships and barges both with length (L) of 24 metres and above on international voyages.

The society is allowed to perform :

Approval of drawings and documentation except for intact or damage stability calculations.
Assignment of freeboard.
Initial survey and issuance of full term certificates or, when relevant, short term certificates.
Issuance of exemption certificates at initial survey after consultation with NMA.
Annual and renewal surveys and endorsements or renewal of certificates.

Carriage of more than one Load Line Certificate

(Instructions to Class 1-2020)

The general conditions for the issuance and carriage of additional International Load Line Certificates on board Norwegian ships are as follows:

The ship must fully comply with all the relevant safety requirements in force for a ship of maximum draught/deadweight (dwt) for which minimum freeboard could be assigned.
Each set of Load Line marks corresponding to the certificates shall be permanently marked on the ship’s sides and verified.
Only the set of Load Line marks corresponding to the least freeboard assigned shall normally show the full grid markings. The additional increased freeboard shall be marked as all seasonal, and only the Load Line Mark and the Fresh Water Load Line need be marked. (Ref. Reg.6.6. of the ICLL 66). However, in individual cases and at the discretion of the owner, a full grid of density and seasonal Load Lines may be marked.
Only one set of Load Line marks shall be visible at any one time, and the remaining Load Line marks shall be effectively obliterated with paint.
Multiple Load Line certificates with different dwt capacities may be covered by a single International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) certificate incl. supplement in which the dwt is given as ‘up to’ or ‘maximum allowable’ followed by a punctation mark (asterisk) after the number which states the dwt tonnage, provided that all relevant dwts result in the same MARPOL Annex I requirements. The asterisk refers to a tabular of corresponding International Load Line Certificates with dwts covered by this certificate (see IOPP certificate sample annexed to these Instructions to Class). If the different dwt capacities result in different MARPOL Annex I requirements, multiple IOPP certificates with corresponding supplements shall be issued.
The Master may alter the Load Line marks for the vessel in accordance with the applicable Load Line Certificate and item d) above. The new marks shall be verified by the Master who, when satisfied with the alterations and the condition of the vessel, makes an official entry in the ship's deck logbook stating the certificate in use. The Master must ensure that the correct Load Line mark and associated certificate are on display, and that all other certificates are placed in a sealed envelope on board. If electronic certificates are issued by the RO, the Master shall ensure that the correct electronic certificates are on display in the database.

For further information, refer to attached file “IC_1_2020.zip”

Inlets/discharges and airpipes in connection with the wells on live fish carriers

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue an exemption from ICLL Reg. 20(3) for live fish carriers with respect to automatic closing arrangement for the well without consulting the NMA based on:

When the valves are in open position the fish cargo holds are completely filled with sea water, so ingress of water is not relevant.
When fish cargo holds are empty, the valves are to be kept closed.

Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue an exemption from ICLL Reg. 22 for well boats with respect to fitting automatic non-return valves to sea inlets/outlets for the fish cargo tanks without consulting the NMA based on:

The fish cargo holds are normally filled with sea water, therefore ingress of water is not relevant.
When the fish holds are empty the integrity is maintained by remote operated valves.

If such a solution is used Recognised Organisation (RO) shall report to NMA so that this may be reflected in GISIS.

SOLAS 74

Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

Initial testing of watertight bulkheads

(SOLAS II-1/11)

(Instructions to Class 01-2014 rev.1)

Instruction to Class (IC) 1-2014 rev.1 adopts alternative provisions for the testing of watertightness and structural strength of boundaries which form parts of the watertight subdivision of ships. The provisions adopted in IC 1-2014 rev.1 are at least as effective as the requirements in SOLAS Reg. II-1/11.2 and 11.3.

The NMA permits that ROs apply the provisions and testing procedures set out in IACS UR S14 Rev.6 Part B, in order to comply with the testing requirements in SOLAS Reg. II-1/11.2 and 11.3 provided that:

A yard, that builds ships for which the provision in IACS UR S14 Rev.6 Part B may be applied as equivalent provisions compared to the testing standards in SOLAS Reg. II-1/11.2 and 11.3, shall have a certified quality management system which complies with a recognized international standard, e.g.an ISO 9001 series quality management system standard, which covers inter alia the production and testing of compartments which shall be tested for compliance with the provisions of SOLAS Reg. II-1/10.
The RO shall have experience with yards referred to in paragraph 1 above to such extent that the society finds the use of the provisions in IACS UR S14 Rev.6 Part B adequate for the purpose of ensuring the required tightness and structural strength of watertight boundaries.

Safe access to bow

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue an exemption from SOLAS Reg. II-1/3-3 regarding Safe Access to Bows for gas tankers, when considering the relatively large freeboard and that the vessel has alternative means of access to bow that gives an equivalent level of safety ref. paragraph 2 in MSC.62(67), this may be done without consulting the NMA.

If such a solution is used Recognised Organisation (RO) shall report to NMA so that this may be reflected in GISIS.

Means of embarkation on and disembarkation from ships

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Recognised Organisation (RO) may accept harmonizing the inspection and maintenance of gangways and accommodation ladders with planned dry dock within three months. Before accepting an harmonization, the master of the ship concerned shall document to the satisfaction of Recognised Organisation (RO) that the equipment in question is in good working order.

If gangways and accommodation ladders are damaged at sea, Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a statutory recommendation valid for three months pending repair.

Valve in connection with piping through collision bulkhead

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Recognised Organisation (RO) may use the voluntary early implementation of the amendments to SOLAS Reg. II-1/12.6.2 adopted by Res. MSC.474(102) without consulting the NMA.

The NMA considers these requirements as equivalent to MSC.421(98) Reg. II-1/12.6.1.

If such a solution is used Recognised Organisation (RO) shall report to NMA so that this may be reflected in GISIS.

Malfunction of emergency generator

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of malfunction of emergency generator, Recognised Organisation (RO) may accept a temporary exemption from SOLAS, Annex II-1/ Reg. 43, and issue a short-term Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate valid for a maximum of three months, without consulting the NMA based on the following conditions:

Risk assessment is carried out by the Owner with mitigating actions confirmed implemented on board.
Main power supply can be automatically restored by stand-by generator after black out.
Ship can be brought into operation from a dead-ship condition with any of the remaining generators.
Class Notation for unattended machinery space to be suspended, requiring engine room/machinery spaces to be manned at all times.
Local port authorities & Pilots to be informed by the Master about condition of Emergency Generator.

In cases of malfunctioned emergency generator for more than three months, the NMA shall be consulted on case-by-case basis.

Lifting appliances (SOLAS II-1/3-13)

(Administration email dated 14/01/2026)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is not yet approved by the Administration as a competent company.

The Administration accepts that approved competent persons, competent company type A-1 and RO can approve lifting appliances under Norwegian flag. It is the Owner’s choice which of these three alternatives they want to use for their lifting appliances.

For SOLAS ships, the bilingual Norwegian certificates (available in the National Certificate part of ASMS2 see SPECIFIC CERTIFICATES: NATIONAL AND BILINGUALINTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATES.) must be issued upon the first renewal survey on or after 1st January 2026.

For all other ships, these new certificates may be issued at the first opportunity.

The Administration considers application of SOLAS II-1/3-13 for lifting appliances with SWL below 1 ton.

Gantry and excavator installed on top of hatch coaming will be required to fulfil the requirements of SOLAS II-1/3-13.

In addition, refer to the following national regulations (in attached files):

Regulations of 17 January 1978 No. 4 on cargo-handling appliances in ships
Regulations of 13 January 1986 No. 31 on cranes used on ships in open waters for loading and unloading

Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

Lifeboats

Equivalent arrangements

(IMO document SLS.14/Circ 59) - Statement by the Administration

Regulation III/35 of the Convention provides for that every cargo ship, with certain exceptions, shall carry lifeboats on each side of the ship of such aggregate capacity as will accommodate all persons on board and in addition shall carry liferafts sufficient to accommodate half the number.

The Government of Norway herewith gives notification of acceptance of the following equivalent arrangements under the provisions of Regulation I/5 for ships constructed before 1 July 1986.

Cargo ships of 500 grt and upwards, but less than 1600 grt, except tankers, may carry the following equipment :

On each side of the ship, one or more liferafts of sufficient aggregate capacity to accommodate the total number of persons on board, each liferaft being of approximately the same capacity.
Unless the liferafts required by paragraph a) above can be readily transferred for launching on either side of the ship, additional liferafts shall be provided so that the total capacity available on each side will accommodate 150% of the total number on board.
In ships where the distance from the embarkation deck to the water in the lightest sea-going condition exceeds 4.5 metres (15 feet), the rafts required in a) above shall be of the davit-launched type and at least one launching appliance shall be provided on each side of the ship for every two rafts. The launching appliance should be capable of lowering the raft when fully loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment when the ship has a trim of up to 10° and at list up to 15° either way.
An approved rescue boat fitted with an accepted engine and capable of being launched on one side of the ship with its equipment and a launching crew of two persons when the ship is upright or listed up to 15° towards that side.
A davit and winch of approved types to launch and recover the boat.

BNWAS

(Email from the Norwegian Maritime Authority dated 25/01/2012)

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) agrees that if the “vigilance system” has been approved according IMO Resolution MSC.128(75), nothing more is required.

Refer to the “Regulation of 15 September 1992 No. 701 concerning Navigational Aids and Arrangements on the Bridge and in the Wheelhouse, and Communication Equipment in the Wheelhouse of Ships” :

§ 6 Approval of equipment

Equipment required by the provisions of this regulation and Chapter V of the SOLAS Convention or IMO Resolution A.373(X) shall be type-approved or accepted (ref. § 2 subparagraphs 1 and 34). Instruction manuals and maintenance material, etc. for the shipboard equipment shall be carried on board.

§ 2 DefinitionsFor the purpose of this regulation, the following definitions shall apply :

1. Accepted:

Equipment accepted by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate on the background of approval or type approval of the equipment by:

a recognized classification society,
a Notified Body,
another public / private institution specified by name, or
the administration in a country which has ratified the SOLAS Convention.

NMA requirements for acceptance of installed BNWAS:

BNWAS system installed on board shall be type approved.
BNWAS systems installed prior to 1 July 2011 approved not fully according to comply MSC.128(75), may be accepted when minimum requirements according to our Recognised Organisation (RO) ASMS items from the ASMS reporting system (see 3.21.3 of Safety Equipment) are fulfilled. The Recognised Organisation (RO) ASMS survey report is to be sent to the Administration for that purpose.
BNWAS systems approved according to former class notation and fulfilling the aforementioned items, will be accepted by the Norwegian Administration.

BNWAS systems with no documented approval will not be accepted.

Medical oxygen

(Instructions to Class 4/2014 rev.1)

Norwegian ships carrying dangerous goods covered by, and as defined in the IMDG code or in the IGC code or the IBC code, shall be provided with medical supplies in accordance with regulation of 9 March 2001 No. 439 concerning Medical Supplies on Ships, section4.

Group A and B vessels shall be equipped with a 40 litres 200 bar cylinder with medical oxygen for breathing applications.

It is acceptable to place the 40 litres 200 bar oxygen cylinder inside the superstructure in the ward room / hospital beside the bed(s). The cylinder shall be securely locked in a frame connected directly to the steel structure of the ship. The installation shall be equipped with a safety valve and a possible overpressure shall vent to open deck through a pipe.

Alternatively the cylinder may be placed in a cabinet outside the superstructure. The installation shall then comply with Regulation of 25 April 2002 No. 422 concerning welding, welding equipment, hot work and storage of gas cylinders on board ship.

The requirement of 40 litres / 200 bars oxygen supply may be composed of 2x20 litres / 200 bars cylinders or 4x10 litres / 200 bars cylinders. Continuous delivery of oxygen shall be ensured.

Other equivalent solutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The arrangements for medical oxygen supply shall be surveyed in conjunction with the annual survey for Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate and should cover the following:

Verify that the cylinder(s), valve(s) and components necessary to deliver oxygen continuously are checked and tested according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
Verify that the medical oxygen has been renewed according to statutory* requirements (every third year).

Fixed fire-extinguishing arrangements in cargo spaces

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Cargo spaces of any cargo ship constructed and solely intended for the carriage of ore, coal, grain, unseasoned timber, non-combustible cargoes or cargoes which constitute a low risk of fire* may be exempted from the requirements of the Regulations of 1 July 2014 No. 1099 on fire protection on ships section 2, first subparagraph (a), cf. SOLAS Reg. II-2/10.7.1.3 and 10.7.2, in accordance with SOLAS Reg. II-2/10.7.1.4.

* MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.1 Lists of Solid Bulk Cargoes for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system may be exempted, or for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is ineffective.

Servicing of inflatable liferafts

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

According to SOLAS Reg. III/20.8, every inflatable liferaft shall be serviced at intervals not exceeding 12 months. In cases where this is impracticable, the Administration may extend this period up to 17 months.

Recognised Organisation (RO) may extend this period to up to 17 months without consulting the NMA in cases where service providers are unavailable.

Legal basis for extending the service interval is: Regulations of 1 July 2014 No. 1019 on life-saving appliances on ships section 2, cf. SOLAS Reg. III/20.8.1.

Following liferafts with extended service intervals are accepted by the Administration (refer to attached file “Statement of the government of Norway”):

VIKING INFLATEABLE LIFERAFT S30
SURVITEC EXTENDED SERVICE LIFERAFTS (ESR)
SURVITEC SAS LIFERAFTS

Immersion suits

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

The NMA considers warm climates, as referred to in SOLAS Reg. III/32.3.2, to be within latitudes 30° N and 30° S.

If such a solution is used Recognised Organisation (RO) shall issue exemption certificate.

Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear (MSC 402(96))

Service providers

(Administration email dated 22/01/2020)

The Administration accepts service providers approved by an RO or authorized by a Flag State listed in the white part of the currently published valid Paris MOU Flag Performance list as promulgated by the Paris MOU secretariat, as amended.

Extension of examination period

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Lifeboats, rescue boats and fast rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear are subject for annual and five-year thorough examination in accordance with SOLAS III Reg. 20.11 and Res.MSC.402(96).

In cases where this is impracticable, the NMA authorizes Recognised Organisation (RO) to extend the examination period up to three months. Before Recognised Organisation (RO) extends the examination interval period, the master of the ship concerned shall document to the satisfaction of Recognised Organisation (RO) that the equipment in question is in good working order and that service has been planned within the time period.

Manual slewing of rescue boat launching davit (MSC.459(101))

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Further to Regulations-1019, section 14, confer MSC.1/Circ.1565 paragraph 3.4 and MSC.459(101), which enters into force on 1 January 2024, until 31 December 2023 Recognised Organisation (RO) can accept the following equivalent solution.

On cargo ships equipped with a rescue boat which is not one of the ship's survival craft, having a mass of not more than 700 kg in fully equipped condition, with engine, but without the crew, the launching appliance of the boat does not need to be fitted with stored mechanical power provided that:

manual hoisting from the stowed position and turning out to the embarkation position is possible by one person;
the force on the crank handle does not exceed 160 N at the maximum crank radius of 350 mm; and
means having sufficient strength such as bowsing line are provided for bringing the rescue boat against the ship's side and holding it alongside so that persons can be safely embarked.

For existing vessels after 1 January 2024, the solution above will still be applicable.

Shipborne navigational equipment and systems not required onboard ships

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

The requirements of SOLAS Regulation V/19.2.1.8 shall neither apply to cargo- nor passenger ships.

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Regulations-1157, section 13(1) a), ref. SOLAS Reg. V/22.1.1 require the conning position to have a view of the sea surface which is not obstructed by more than two ship lengths, and never more than 500 meters forward of the bow and to 10° on either side.

When ships are loaded with windmill blades and windmill towers, the field of vision from the conning position may not comply with these regulations. If the navigation bridge visibility is obstructed for other reasons than the type of deck cargoes mentioned before, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

When measures set out sub-paragraphs 11.3.1 to 11.3.4 of Instructions to Class 2-2017 (see Exemption and Interpretation) are implemented, the NMA considers the resulting arrangements equivalent to the requirements of having a view of the sea surface from the conning position as stated in Regulations-1157, section 13(1) a) and authorizes Recognised Organisation (RO) to consider and approve such arrangements.

Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue equivalents of a partial or conditional nature, and that the ship is exempted from the requirements of SOLAS Reg. V/22.1.1, on the basis of Regulations-1157, section 13 (3) a), cf. SOLAS Reg. V/3.2 3.

If such a solution is used Recognised Organisation (RO) shall report to NMA so that this may be reflected in GISIS.

The NMA underlines that this instruction applies to requirements in SOLAS Reg. V/22.1.1 only.

If the navigation bridge visibility is obstructed for other reasons than deck cargoes of windmill blades and windmill towers, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Fire protection, fire detection equipment, fire extinction system

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of malfunction of fire protection, fire detection equipment, fire extinction system, the carriage of which is required by SOLAS Chapter II-2, Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a statutory recommendation for a period up to three months pending repair of the malfunctioning equipment.

Before the issuance, the master of the ship concerned shall document to the satisfaction of Recognised Organisation (RO) that suitable arrangements have been made by the master to take the inoperative equipment or unavailable information into account when planning for and executing a safe voyage to a port where repairs can take place. A risk analysis may be needed to identify any mitigating measures to be implemented.

If more than three months are needed for the repair of the malfunctioning fire detection equipment, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of situations where service of equipment given in SOLAS regulation II-2/14.2.2.3 becomes challenging or impracticable to conduct within the given service interval period, the NMA authorizes the Recognised Organisation (RO) to extend this period up to three months.

Before Recognised Organisation (RO) extends the service interval period, the master of the ship concerned shall document to the satisfaction of Recognised Organisation (RO) that the equipment in question is in good working order and that service has been planned within the time period.

If more than three months are needed for the repair of the malfunctioning fire detection equipment, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Disabled fire alarm and smoke detection system

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

If master of a ship sees the need to disable fire alarm and/or smoke detection system on board, Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a statutory recommendation to accept this when following measures are implemented on board:

The engine room to be manned at all times and the manning on board should be according to the safe manning certificate for manned engine rooms.
Master shall establish regular fire patrol (at least twice during each four-hour watch) of the ship with means of communications to contact the navigational watch officer and the engine room control station, when necessary.
The public address /general alarm system to be tested that it is working and can be used to make emergency announcements in the accommodation and in the engine room.
The roving fire watch shall operate both at sea and in port, as appropriate in accordance with the Risk Assessment. The results of each fire watch shall be properly recorded in vessel s official logbook.
All ship's personnel shall be advised regarding status of the fire detection system.
All manually operated call points and remaining fire safety systems remains fully operational.
Pilots and port authorities where vessel calls shall be notified by the Master about the malfunctioning equipment.

Lifeboat and lifeboat boat davit

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of damaged lifeboat or davit for lifeboats Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a statutory recommendation valid for three months pending the repair based on statement from master confirming sufficient survival craft capacity for all persons on board.

The damaged lifeboat or davit shall however be repaired at the first possible opportunity.

Rescue boat and rescue boat davit

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of damaged rescue boat or rescue boat davit the Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a statutory recommendation valid for three months pending the repair.

Alternative means for a man over-board situation must be presented by master and work on deck must be kept to a minimum to reduce the risk for a man over-board situation.

The damaged rescue boat or rescue boat davit shall however be repaired at the first possible opportunity.

Periodic launching and manoeuvring of lifeboats

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

According to SOLAS Reg. III/19.3.4.3 each lifeboat shall be launched and manoeuvred in the water by its assigned operating crew, at least once every three months during an abandon ship drill.

In cases where this is impracticable, the NMA authorizes Recognised Organisation (RO) to extend this period up to three months.

The overdue lifeboat and rescue boat waterborne drill shall however be carried out at the first possible opportunity

Increased number of persons on board

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of a temporary need to increase the number of persons in addition to the number specified in the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, Recognised Organisation (RO) may accept this when the measures below are complied with:

Capacity of additional liferaft(s) on each side of the vessel is/are installed and lifejackets and immersion suits are provided for each person on board.
The capacity of the sewage treatment plant and the accommodation arrangement should be considered with regards to the increased number of persons on board.
It should be considered to increase the number of persons in the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate if the vessel frequently needs to increase the number of persons on board. This is also relevant for ships operation in high-risk areas with the need for guards.

Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate

The society is authorized to perform surveys and issue certificates relevant to Safety Radio (SOLAS V).

When radio survey and certification services are requested by the owner, the authorization may also apply to ships not in class located in ports outside Norway.

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of malfunction of navigational equipment, the carriage of which is required by SOLAS Chapter V, Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a short-term certificates for a period of up to three months provided that it is conformed that SOLAS Reg. IV/15.8 or V/16.2 are complied with, without consulting the NMA.

Before Recognised Organisation (RO) confirms compliance with SOLAS Reg. V/16.2, the master of the ship concerned shall document to the satisfaction of Recognised Organisation (RO) that suitable arrangements have been made by the master to take the inoperative equipment or unavailable information into account when planning for and executing a safe voyage to a port where repairs can take place.

If more than three months are needed for the repair of the above malfunctioning navigational equipment, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Radio-communication equipment

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of a malfunction of the equipment for providing the general radio communications required by SOLAS Reg. IV/4.1.8, Recognised Organisation (RO) may, without consulting the NMA, confirm compliance with SOLAS Reg. IV/15.8 for up to three months pending repair of the malfunctioning equipment.

Before Recognised Organisation (RO) confirms compliance with SOLAS Reg. IV/15.8, it shall be confirmed that the ship is capable of performing all distress and safety functions, and that suitable arrangements have been made by the master to take the inoperative equipment or unavailable information into account when planning for and executing a safe voyage to a port where repairs can take place.

If more than three months are needed for the repair of the above radio-communication equipment, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Non-convention Cargo ships

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to provide survey and certification services in relation to safety radio on non-convention cargo ships (less than 300GT).

In this case, the surveyor shall use the following forms in attached files:

form KS-0286-BE Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (non-convention)
form KS-0286-1BE Record of Equipment CRC (non-convention)

When radio survey and certification services are requested by the owner, the authorization may also apply to ships not in class located in ports outside Norway.

Fishing vessels

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to provide survey and certification services in relation to safety radio on fishing vessels with length over all of 15 metres and above, outside Norway.

When radio survey and certification services are requested by the owner, the authorization may also apply to fishing vessels not in class located in ports outside Norway

Occasional operation in A4 for an A3 vessel

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Recognised Organisation (RO) may accept a ship to occasionally operate in A4 with A3 certificate only if at least one HF-NBDP Telex is fitted on board when following measures are complied with:

The duration of the period should be no longer than 4 weeks
Functionality of LRIT must be considered

Passenger Ship Safety Certificate

Medical oxygen

Norwegian ships carrying dangerous goods covered by, and as defined in the IMDG code, shall be provided with medical supplies in accordance with regulation of 9 March 2001 No. 439.

Group A and B vessels shall be equipped with a 40 litres 200 bar cylinder with medical oxygen for breathing applications.

The requirement of 40 litres / 200 bars oxygen supply may be composed of 2x20 litres / 200 bars cylinders or 4x10 litres / 200 bars cylinders. Continuous delivery of oxygen shall be ensured.

Other equivalent solutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The arrangements for medical oxygen supply shall be surveyed in conjunction with the survey for Passenger Ship Safety Certificate and should cover the following:

Verify that the cylinder(s), valve(s) and components necessary to deliver oxygen continuously are checked and tested according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
Verify that the medical oxygen has been renewed according to statutory* requirements (every third year).

For further information, refer to the Instructions to Class No. 4/2014 in the attached file “InstructionsToClass4-2014”.

SOLAS Code

Equipment and consumables for testing the presence of toxic vapours - IBC Code

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Recognised Organisation (RO) on the request from the ship owner, is authorised to grant the exemption stated in the IBC Code paragraph 13.2.3. The additional requirements of paragraph 13.2.3 of the IBC Code shall apply.

IGF Code

Approval of alternative design and arrangements for ships using alternative fuels

(Instructions to Class 1-2024)

Details on requirements and the process for the approval of Alternative Design and Arrangements (AD&A) for ships using gases or other low flashpoint fuels (this includes, but is not limited to, the use of ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol as fuel), not specifically addressed in the IGF code, for vessels where Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorised to carry out survey, verification, and certification functions on behalf of the Administration are outlined in Annex 1 to Instructions to Class 1-2024 (attached file).

MARPOL 73/78

Annex I. IOPP certificate

Requirements detailed in following IMO Circulars apply to all ships > 400 gt (NOR_NIS Circular 05/2009).

MEPC.1/Circ.642 - 2008 Revised guidelines for systems for handling oily wastes in machinery spaces of ships incorporating guidance notes for an integrated bilge water treatment system (IBTS).
MEPC.1/Circ.643 Harmonized implementation of the revised guidelines and specifications for pollution prevention equipment for machinery space bilges for ships during the type-approval process.
MEPC.1/Circ.641 Supplementary guidelines for approval of bilge and sludge handling systems.

The STS operations plan shall be approved by Recognised Organisation (RO) on behalf of the Administration, for Recognised Organisation (RO) classed oil tankers of 150 gross tonnage and above engaged in STS operations.

Oil filtering equipment

(Instructions to Class 2-017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of a malfunction of the oily water separator (OWS), the NMA authorises Recognised Organisation (RO) to consider if suitable arrangements have been made by the master to take the inoperative equipment into account when planning for and executing a safe voyage to a port where repairs can take place.

Any oil or oily mixtures shall be retained on board for subsequent discharge to reception facilities, cf. MARPOL Reg. I/15.9.

If more than one month is needed to repair the malfunctioning OWS, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Oil discharge monitoring and control system

(Instructions to Class 2-017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of failure of the oil discharge monitoring and control system, the NMA authorises Recognised Organisation (RO) to consider the use of any manually operated alternative method, in accordance with MARPOL Reg. I/ 31.2. The defective unit concerned shall be made operable as soon as possible.

Any oil or oily mixtures shall be retained on board for subsequent discharge to reception facilities, cf. MARPOL Reg. I/34.9.

If more than one month is needed to repair the above defective oil discharge monitoring and control system, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Annex II. NLS certificate

Carriage of vegetable oils and Dual Certificate of fitness for Ship type 2 and 3

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue an exemption for carriage of vegetable oils in accordance with regulation 4.1.3 of Annex II of MARPOL, without consulting the NMA, provided that the captioned vessel complies with the conditions in regulation 4.1.3.2 and 4.1.3.3 of this annex.

The NMA accept, in general, DUAL Certificates of Fitness for ship type 2 and 3. The certificate in force shall then be displayed at any time while the other certificate shall be kept in the ship’s safe. The relevant certificate shall indicate the exemption granted.

If such a solution is used Recognised Organisation (RO) shall report to NMA so that this may be reflected in GISIS.

Annex IV. ISPP certificate

Temporary storage in prohibited areas/water

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In areas/waters where discharge of sewage is prohibited, Recognised Organisation (RO) may accept the temporary use of holding tank to store treated sewage and grey water, without consulting the NMA based on the following conditions:

Risk measures are implemented on board as per Company’s Risk Assessment, transfer to be carried out only if deemed required.
Transfer to only take place when required and temporary arrangement removed after each transfer.
Proper records are maintained in the engine and deck logbook.
The temporary arrangement should be isolated, secured and tagged to protect against unintended release.
All content stowed inside the temporary holding tank to be discharged in compliance with the MARPOL Annex IV requirement after departure from restricted area/waters.
After disposal of treated sewage and grey water, the tank is to be flushed and cleaned thoroughly.

Malfunction of sewage treatment plant

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of malfunction of sewage treatment plant, Recognised Organisation (RO) may accept the temporary use of holding tanks to store un-treated sewage and grey water, without consulting the NMA based on the following conditions:

Risk measures are implemented on board as per Company’s Risk Assessment, transfer to be carried out only if deemed required.
Transfer to only take place when required and temporary arrangement removed after each transfer.
Proper records are maintained in the engine and deck logbook.
The temporary arrangement should be isolated, secured and tagged to protect against unintended release.
All content stowed inside the temporary holding tank to be discharged in compliance with the MARPOL Annex IV requirement after departure from restricted area/waters.
After disposal of treated sewage and grey water, the tank is to be flushed and cleaned thoroughly.

Annex V

Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships

Reserved

Annex VI

Data Collection System for fuel oil consumption of ships

Reviewing of SEEMP Part II and issuance of Confirmation of Compliance, (MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 5, para. 4.5 and 4.6)
Verification of reporting data, (MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 22A)
Issuance of Statement of Compliance (MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 6)
Submission of reported data to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database ((MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 22A, para. 9)

IAPP Certificate - Equivalents

(Instructions to Class 3-2019)

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall report to the NMA equivalents used as an alternative to that required by Regulation 14 of Annex VI of MARPOL, for each ship where such equivalents are implemented and upon satisfactory completion of the initial survey.

For ships using exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), the systems shall be approved according to the applicable IMO Guidelines for EGCS.

For equivalent means or methods of compliance for which no relevant IMO Guidelines exist (e.g. dual-fuel engines operating on high sulphur content pilot fuel oil), RO shall document and report to the NMA how the equivalents meet the applicable and relevant requirement of Regulation 14 of Annex VI of MARPOL, under all operating conditions.

Any limitations in the relevant operating conditions where the equivalents fail to comply with the requirements, e.g. during engine idling or manoeuvring, necessary actions shall be taken in order to comply with the requirements.

EEDI, EEXI and CII

EEDI, EEXI

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized for the verification of the attained EEDI and EEXI, not only on ships classed by Recognised Organisation (RO), but subject to agreement of the Ship’s Classification Society.

CII

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized for (irrespective of ship being classed by Recognised Organisation (RO), including ships where the NMA has issued certificates):

Verification of attained annual operational Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) reported;
Determination of operational Carbon Intensity rating;

and issuance of related Confirmation of Compliance and Statement of Compliance.

Malfunctioning exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS)

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of malfunction or failure of a single monitoring instrument in the EGCS, Recognised Organisation (RO) may act on behalf of the administration according to MEPC.1/Circ. 883/Rev.1, cf. MARPOL, Annex VI, Reg. 14

In cases of malfunctioned EGCS for more than three months, the NMA shall be consulted on case-by-case basis.

Malfunction of incinerator

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of malfunction of incinerator, the RO may accept an exemption from MARPOL, Annex VI, Reg. 16, and issue a short-term IOPP certificate valid for a maximum of three months, without consulting the NMA based on the following conditions:

Crew to be informed of the malfunctioning incinerator.
Vessel to be provided with sufficient sludge tank capacity for retaining sludge generated during the voyage.
Arrangement to be made for the sludge / garbage retained onboard to be disposed to the shore reception facilities when required.
Entry to be made in the Oil Record Book (Part I) of the incinerator malfunction.
Port authorities to be notified by the Master prior to port arrival.
The faulty incinerator to be repaired and functionally tested to the satisfaction of the attending class surveyor.
In cases of malfunctioned incinerator for more than three months, the NMA shall be consulted on case-by-case basis.

Electronic Record Books

According to Annex II to the Agreement (see Annex II to the Agreement - Ships NOR registered - Limited Statutory Delegation), Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to approve Electronic Record Books.

BWM Convention

Ballast Water Management System (BWMS)

Approval of BWMS

(Instructions to Class 1-2019 corr. 1, repealing IC 2-2015)

Prior to installing a BWMS on board a ship registered in a Norwegian ship register, the BWMS shall be issued with a Type Approval Certificate (TAC).

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to type approve (TA) BWMS as specified in Regulation D-3 of the BWMC. Type approving BWMS shall be carried out in accordance with the following guidelines or the BWMS Code - as applicable:

Resolution MEPC.279(70) 2016 Guidelines for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (G8) (TA not later than 12 October 2019), or
Resolution MEPC.300(72) – Code for approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS Code) (TA not before 13 October 2019).
Resolution MEPC.169(57) – Guidelines for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems that make use of active substances (G9)

As per annex I (to the Agreement) paragraph 3.10.1 and annex II (to the Agreement) paragraph 3.8.1, Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to issue BWMS TAC. The requirements adopted in MEPC.279(70) paragraph 7.1.4 or MEPC.300(72) paragraph 7.1.4 apply (Also taking into account: BWM.2/Circ.43/Rev.1 and BWM.2/Circ.37).

Prior to type approving BWMS that make use of active substances in order to meet the required performance criteria, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall contact the NMA in order to proceed as specified in Regulation D-3.2 of the BWMC and resolution MEPC.169(57).

Prior to accepting to deliver services associated with testing and evaluating Prototype Ballast Water Treatment Technologies, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall lodge an application with the NMA. The application shall be supported by the test programme and refer to relevant guidelines (MEPC.140(54)) used to comply with the requirements of Regulation D-4 of the BWMC. On the successful completion of the installation survey, the NMA will adopt a decision which authorizes the RO to issue the Statement of Compliance (SOC), ref. Regulations 2017/1368 section 2, subsection 6.

Malfunction of BWMS

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of malfunction of BWMS, Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a short-term IBWM Certificate with a corresponding statutory recommendation valid for three months without consulting the NMA under the following conditions:

Alternative measures (BW exchange in compliance with reg. D1 and B4) as agreed with the coastal state shall be implemented accordingly.
The vessel shall communicate to the respective coastal state, prior to the carriage of BWE in waters falling under their jurisdiction.
Proper entry is made in the Ballast Water Record Book regarding this malfunctions and contingency measures adopted.
The instructions given by the IMO guidance BWM.2/Circ.62 are to be noted.

If more than three month is needed for the repair of the malfunctioning BWMS, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Outstanding commissioning test of the BWMS

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

In the event of outstanding commissioning test of installed BWMS due to issues with; software, water quality, lack of laboratory technicians, unavailable laboratories or other similar reasonable issues, Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a short-term IBWM Certificate with a corresponding statutory recommendation valid for three months without consulting the NMA under the following conditions:

Entries shall be made in the Ballast Water Record Book.
Contingency measures as per BWM.2/Circ.62 (regulations B-4.1 and D-1) to be used for managing non-compliant ballast water discharges based on agreement from the Coastal State.
Local port authority is informed by the Master of the statutory recommendation and contingency measure to seek their acceptance /comment with respect to handling of ballast water within their coastal waters.

The commissioning test shall be done according to BWM.2/Circ.70/Rev.1 and BWM.2/Circ.42/Rev.2, and the report shall be reviewed by Recognised Organisation (RO) for final acceptance.

If more than three month is needed for the commissioning test of the BWMS, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

De-harmonization of IOPP certificate

(Instructions to Class 1-2017)

There is no legal provisions adopted by the NMA which prohibits de-coupling the IOPP certificate from the HSSC.

Furthermore, the NMA does not intend to carry out case-by-case assessments. Upon a ship owner's request, Recognised Organisation (RO) may carry out the IOPP certificate renewal survey separately and independently from other renewal surveys and issue the IOPP certificate accordingly (no prior agreement is required)

Validity and durability of the IOPP certificate after de-harmonization

The de-coupling will not affect the legal scheme for the validity of the IOPP certificate. The certificate may be issued with a validity of 5 years, and the anniversary date will be based on the completion date of the early de-coupled renewal survey.

For example, if the early IOPP renewal survey is completed on 18 November 2016, the certificate will be valid until 17 November 2021, and the anniversary date of the IOPP certificate will be 17 November. Periodical IOPP surveys should be carried out as per the new anniversary date.

Electronic Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB)

(Administration email dated 27/05/2025)

The Administration is currently in the process of implementing the requirements from Resolution MEPC.383(81) Amendments to the BWM Convention on the use of electronic record books, which enters into force on 1 October 2025 into Norwegian legislation, and a public consultation on the matter will be published shortly.

One of the requirements entering into force on 1 October 2025 is that electronic ballast water record books (BWRBs) shall be approved by the Administration taking into account the Guidelines provided by MEPC.372(80). Similar to the approval of electronic MARPOL record books, Recognised Organisation (RO) will be authorised to carry out the approval of electronic BWRBs, including the issuance of a Declaration of BWM Convention Electronic Record Book on behalf of the Administration.

The authorisation will apply to the approval of electronic BWRBs for all Norwegian ships subject to the requirements of approval of electronic BWRBs.

The use of electronic record book under BWM Convention is already permitted. Hence, for ships already using electronic record books, the requirement for these to be approved will apply immediately upon the entry into force of the amendments to the Ballast Water Convention on 1 October 2025.

With reference to the invitation in MEPC.372(80) to apply the Guidelines as soon as possible, and in order to avoid a potential surge in approval requests from ship owners needing approval around 1 October 2025, the Administration hereby confirms that Recognised Organisation (RO) may proceed with the approval of electronic BWRBs and the issuance of the corresponding declarations on behalf of the Administration with immediate effect.

Tonnage 69

Tonnage certificate

Reserved.

AFS Convention

Untitled

The Society performs surveys in accordance with the “International Convention on the control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001” and issues IAFS certificates.

COLREG 72

(Instructions to Class 2-2017,repealing IC 02-2010, see Exemption and Interpretation)

On offshore vessels of traditional design, construction and operational use, it may be a challenge to carry stern light and masthead lights in accordance with Chapter 3(a) in Annex 1 to COLREG and rule 21 (c) in COLREG. According to Rule 1(e) of COLREG, the NMA authorises Recognised Organisation (RO) to approve arrangements as described below.On offshore vessels designed with accommodation and wheelhouse in the forward part of the vessel and an exposed cargo deck in the after part, the distance between the masthead lights may be reduced to less than one half of the vessel’s length. However, the distance between the masthead lights shall never be less than 10 metres.

For offshore vessels not able to carry the stern light at the stern without compromising proper functioning of the vessel, the stern light needs not be placed at the stern if the vessel is capable of indicating its own length by other means, for example a floodlight illuminating the aft part of the vessel.

Legal basis for the exemption is Regulations of 1 December 1975 No. 5 for preventing collisions at sea (COLREG) Rule 1(e).

If such a solution is used Recognised Organisation (RO) shall report to NMA so that this may be reflected in GISIS.

In case the positioning or lighting fixture of navigation lights on vessels other than offshore vessels requires some form of consideration, the NMA shall be consulted on a case-by-case basis.

Miscellaneous Technical Requirements

Carriage of Special or Industrial Personnel

(Instructions to Class IC 5-2017 rev.1 and IC 1-2009 rev.4)

Until the entering into force of SOLAS regulations which specifically address the carriage of Industrial Personnel on board cargo ships on international voyages, the interim requirements adopted in IC 5-2017 apply to cargo ships registered in a Norwegian ship register, when such cargo ships may carry Industrial Personnel.

The Administration accepts that transport or accommodation of Industrial Personnel are performed by ships issued with certificates stating compliance with:

the 2008 SPS Code (IMO Res.MSC.266(84)), and
the damage stability requirements of IMO Res.MSC.235(82), as amended by IMO Res.MSC.335(90).

The certification according to the 2008 SPS Code may not be appropriate for existing ships. Therefore and with reference to IC 1-2009 rev.4

Category A vessels shall comply with the 2008 SPS Code and the damage stability required by IMO Res.MSC.235(82) as amended by IMO Res.MSC.335(90), also for vessels above 100 meters.
Category B vessels shall comply with either; - the 1983 or 2008 SPS Code and the damage stability required by IMO Res. A.469(XII) or MSC.235(82), or - the requirements adopted in IC 1-2009 rev.4.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall receive a separate application for each ship considered for the carriage of Industrial Personnel.

Upon satisfactory survey, Recognised Organisation (RO) issues a “Permit to carry Industrial Personnel” (see attached file “Permit_IP.doc”).

Accommodation

The instructions to Class no. 1/2015, in the attached file “InstructionToClass1-2015”, provides Recognised Organisation (RO) with information necessary to survey accommodation facilities and describes acceptable accommodation facilities and arrangements, on board Norwegian flagged Special Purpose Ships (cargo ships constructed in compliance with the IMO code of safety for Special Purpose Ships 2008), the keel of which is laid on or after 20 August 2013.

Size of individual sleeping rooms
The NMA invites the shipping industry to design ships that provide individual sleeping rooms for each member of the crew, including special purpose personnel. In accordance with Reg. No. 707 section 15 (3) litra c, cf. MLC Standard A3.1.9 litra g, the NMA may allow a smaller floor area for Special Purpose Ships arranged with individual sleeping rooms only. The floor area shall as a minimum comply with the limits specified in ILO No. 133 article 5.
Number of persons in sleeping rooms
The NMA accepts two persons sharing a sleeping room on the following conditions :
1. The persons shall be on opposite watches so that the person who is off duty may have the sleeping room alone, cf. MLC Guideline B 3.1.5.3
2. There shall be sufficient dayrooms / recreational facilities with comfortable seating for the person who is on duty.
Arrangements with three or more persons in a sleeping room shall be evaluated on a case by case basis and the NMA shall be consulted accordingly.
Officers in charge of a department, navigating and engineer officers in charge of a watch shall be provided with individual sleeping rooms, cf. Reg. No. 707 section 14 (2) b.
Artificial lighting in sleeping rooms
When it is not possible to arrange sleeping rooms with natural lighting, the NMA accepts sleeping rooms arranged with artificial lighting that meets the requirements in Reg. No. 707 section 13 (4).

Offshore Support Vessels (OSV)

Arrangement of cargo rail

Refer to the Instructions to Class no. 3/2015 in the attached file “InstructionToClass3-2015”, which applies to cargo ships that are engaged in the safety zones of oil platforms or operate in the close vicinity of other offshore structures in the open sea, the keel of which is laid on or after 1 January 2016.

Access from the cargo deck

Pursuant to section 11 of the Regulations of 1 July 2014 No. 1072 on the construction of ships, the cargo rail shall be fitted with side openings. The main purpose of these openings is to provide quick access to a protected area in the event of an unforeseen situation for persons on the cargo deck, both during loading and unloading operations and whilst the vessel is underway. The openings shall lead into the cargo rail.

Distance between and dimensions of the openings

The distance between two adjacent openings shall be 10 metres or less. The dimensions of the opening shall be minimum 700 mm x 2000 mm. No coamings shall be fitted.

Inner width

In many cases, the cargo rail provides the only access to the aft of the vessel. With regard to the inner width of the cargo rail, the NMA applies SOLAS Regulation II-2/13.3.3.5, with reference to the Fire Safety Systems code (FSS code) chapter 13.3. This provision stipulates a clear passage of at least 700 mm. In order to ensure an effective transport by stretcher, the requirement for clear passage applies up to a height of minimum 1200 mm above deck / gratings. At a height between 1200 mm and 2000 mm above the deck / grating, the cargo rail shall be arranged as wide as practicable, but in no circumstances less than 500 mm. The arrangement of pipes and valves, etc. must be planned at an early stage in order to achieve such passage. The design of piping systems, arrangement of emergency exit hatches, location of valves, etc. shall not prevent the clear passage.

Mooring arrangements

If bollards and other mooring arrangements are placed inside the cargo rail, it must be designed so that mooring operations may be carried out in a safe manner. There must be suitable access to the mooring arrangements and a sufficient deck area must be available for this purpose.

Use of enclosed spaces

Divided sections / enclosed spaces in the cargo rail are accepted, provided that clear passages, as specified above, are ensured. Doors leading in to such spaces shall have a clear width of at least 700 mm. With regard to escape from cargo deck, the maximum length of such sections or spaces shall be 10 metres.

Doors leading to enclosed spaces

If enclosed spaces in the cargo rail are considered as buoyancy volumes in connection with the vessel’s stability calculations, doors leading in to such spaces shall be fitted with centrally operated closing appliances. Indicators on the bridge shall show whether such door is closed or open.

European Marine Equipment Directive 2014/90/EC

The Administration has adopted new regulations that transpose Directive 2014/90 (the Marine Equipment Directive) into the Norwegian legal order. Recognised Organisation (RO) shall:

Verify that installed marine equipment listed in implementing acts, ref. Directive 2014/90/EC article 35.2, is marked as prescribed in Regulation 1042 section 3 (wheel marked).
Issue certificate to marine equipment considered equivalent pursuant to Regulations 1042 section 15 (MED Article 7).

Refer also to Statutory surveys - General, Section 8.

Manning, Qualifications and Operating arrangements

(Instructions to Class 1-2018, see Supervision of manning, qualifications and operation arrangements)

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall check the manning on delegated ships (classed cargo ships registered in NOR with gross tonnage 500 and above). The aim of the survey is to verify that relevant personal certificates of competency and proficiency and CRAs are available, valid and meet the minimum requirements of the Safe Manning Document.

Furthermore, the survey shall verify the proper function and operation of equipment that shall be operable as a prerequisite and condition for the NMA’s issuance of the Safe Manning Document.

Control of Manning and Qualifications

The survey of manning and qualifications shall be carried out in conjunction with the annual, periodical surveys of the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate and for change of flag survey.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall verify that the crew composition set out in the Safe Manning Document is met, and that the regulations are satisfied. A manning survey check list as modelled by the NMA shall be used (see Supervision of manning, qualifications and operation arrangements)

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall verify that the manning of the ship holds the appropriate qualifications as required by the STCW Convention and the STCW Code part A.

The NMA requires an up-to-date record of certificates and qualifications for all officers and crew members to be kept on board.

Original certificates of competencies and proficiencies, Certificates of Receipt of Application (CRAs) shall be readily available for control.

The surveyor shall base the control on records presented and carry out spot checks of the documents.

Recycling of Ships and Mobile Offshore Units

Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to provide the necessary statutory services in relation to:

Survey and verification of Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), issuance, renewal and endorsement of the Ship Recycling Inventory Certificate to new ships build on or after 1 January 2019.
By 1 January 2021, survey and issuance of the Ship Recycling Inventory Certificate to ships build before 1 January 2019.

Subject certification may be provided by an RO which necessarily is not the classification society for subject ship.

Section 1 of Regulations 2018/2013 incorporates Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 into the Norwegian legal order. The requirements adopted in Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 articles 8, 9 and 10 apply for the survey and certification services as delegated. Refer to attached file “Verification and issuance of Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) Certificate etc.”.

Hong Kong Convention

Irrespective of ship being classed by Recognised Organisation (RO), including ships where the Administration has issued certificates, Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to provide the necessary statutory services in relation to survey and verification of Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM), issuance, renewal and endorsement of the International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials, and issuance of International Ready for Recycling Certificate (on a voluntary basis).

Use of Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) and Material Declaration (MD)

(Instructions to Class 05-2020)

The Administration considers that adequate procedures to ensure proper maintenance of the IHM can be achieved without having to collect declarations when threshold values pertaining to items delivered to the ship are not exceeded.

Recognised Organisation (RO) shall verify:

that the Company requires and ensures that suppliers identify and declare, when relevant, the presence of hazardous materials which exceed the relevant threshold values, using the applicable formats.
that the Company’s practices for developing and maintaining the IHM be supported by the Company’s general procedures and quality management; i.e. by
- using standardized text in Company purchase orders;
- accepting general declarations from suppliers;
- implementing specific verification procedures for high-risk items.

For further information, refer to the attached file “IC 5-2020 on IHM certification.pdf”.

Actions required when asbestos containing material is identified on board

(Instructions to Class 2-2021)

With the approval of the Inventory of Hazardous Material (IHM) for the preparation of the Inventory Certificate (Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 article 9.1), Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) may be identified and found to be present onboard Norwegian ships.

If ACM is identified in the IHM, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall verify that relevant risk assessments have been carried out onboard.

If the exposure limit of 0.1 asbestos fiber per cubic centimeter air is exceeded, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall verify that an asbestos removal plan (AMP) is documented and present onboard.

Stability instrument

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

According to MARPOL Annex I Reg. 3.6, IBC Code Reg. 2.2.7 and IGC Code 2.2.7 the Administration may waive the requirements for fitting a stability instrument for:

Ships which are on a dedicated service, with a limited number of permutations of loading such that all anticipated conditions have been approved in the stability documentation provided on board
Ships where stability verification is made remotely by a means approved by the administration
Ships which are loaded within an approved range of loading conditions
Ships constructed before 1st January 2016 provided with approved limiting KG/GM curves covering all applicable intact and damage stability requirements

If one of the above options are met, Recognised Organisation (RO) may issue a waiver accordingly without consulting the NMA.

Electromagnetic compatibility - Declaration of Conformity

(Instructions to Class 2-2009)

Compliance with the EMC (Electromagnetic compatibility) requirements as set out in Council Directive 2004/108/EC, are satisfactorily demonstrated through the declaration of conformity as required by paragraph 6 of the regulations relating to Maritime Electrical Installations (see Regulations relating to Maritime Electrical Installations, laid down on 4 December 2001 by the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning). Reference is also made to paragraph 29 of the same regulations.

ISM Code

Authorizations & instructions

Audit and ship type accreditation
Ship type	PS	PH	PR	BC	OT	CT	GC	CH	CS	MO
Document of Compliance Document of Compliance
Interim				x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Initial				x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Periodical				x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Additional				x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Renewal				x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Safety Management Certificate Safety Management Certificate
Interim				x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Initial				x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Intermediate				x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Additional				x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Renewal				x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Note : Note :	Upon the owner’s request, Recognised Organisation (RO) may undertake surveys and certification of cargo ships registered in NOR that have or shall have certificates for international voyages.Delegation does not include passenger ships.The Administration may participate in ISM audits as observers, pursuant to this Agreement, or may carry out ISM audits and/or certification to the extent deemed necessary by them. Upon the owner’s request, Recognised Organisation (RO) may undertake surveys and certification of cargo ships registered in NOR that have or shall have certificates for international voyages. Delegation does not include passenger ships. The Administration may participate in ISM audits as observers, pursuant to this Agreement, or may carry out ISM audits and/or certification to the extent deemed necessary by them.

Requirements of the Administration
Requirements of the Administration	Action by
Recognised Organisation (RO) issues all relevant certificates and, upon request, sends copies to the Administration.	DO-FM
Withdrawal of certificates must be agreed by the Administration prior to implementation.	CSQM / MOC
Guidelines for revision of ISM-manuals on supply ships and tugs used for anchor handling regarding the immediate measures issued by NMD. See NIS/NOR Circular 7/2007 in attached files. Guidelines for revision of ISM-manuals on supply ships and tugs used for anchor handling regarding the immediate measures issued by NMD. See NIS/NOR Circular 7/2007 in attached files.	Auditors/CSQM

Reference Documents
Agreement and Annex III - Special Agreement on the control and survey of cargo vessels registered in the Norwegian Ordinary Register at the request of the owner.See NIS Circular 3/2002 in attached files. Agreement and Annex III - Special Agreement on the control and survey of cargo vessels registered in the Norwegian Ordinary Register at the request of the owner. See NIS Circular 3/2002 in attached files.

ISPS Code

Authorizations & instructions

Instructions to RSO 6/2017

SSP approval / review	Ship audit	ISSC issuance
Yes	Yes	Yes
Observation(s) :European Regulation (EC) No. 725/2004 of 31 March 2004 shall be applied from 1^st July 2004.Specific instructions (fax 200400128-74 and 676 dated 03/06/04) for ships not subjected to ISPS Code. Recognised Organisation (RO) is also fully authorised as RSO by using the ISSC standard model with additional endorsement stating that the ship is “voluntary certified” in accordance with the ISPS Code. Observation(s) : European Regulation (EC) No. 725/2004 of 31 March 2004 shall be applied from 1^st July 2004. Specific instructions (fax 200400128-74 and 676 dated 03/06/04) for ships not subjected to ISPS Code. Recognised Organisation (RO) is also fully authorised as RSO by using the ISSC standard model with additional endorsement stating that the ship is “voluntary certified” in accordance with the ISPS Code.

SSP approval / review

Ship audit

ISSC issuance

Yes

Observation(s) :European Regulation (EC) No. 725/2004 of 31 March 2004 shall be applied from 1^st July 2004.Specific instructions (fax 200400128-74 and 676 dated 03/06/04) for ships not subjected to ISPS Code. Recognised Organisation (RO) is also fully authorised as RSO by using the ISSC standard model with additional endorsement stating that the ship is “voluntary certified” in accordance with the ISPS Code.

Observation(s) :

European Regulation (EC) No. 725/2004 of 31 March 2004 shall be applied from 1^st July 2004.

Specific instructions (fax 200400128-74 and 676 dated 03/06/04) for ships not subjected to ISPS Code. Recognised Organisation (RO) is also fully authorised as RSO by using the ISSC standard model with additional endorsement stating that the ship is “voluntary certified” in accordance with the ISPS Code.

Item	Specific requirements	Observation(s)
Part B mandatory	See items (8), (16) and Article 3 item 5 of the EC Regulation (see above observation).
Armed guards on board		Refer to Guideline (document attached)
SSP and SSP amendment	It is required that the Company develops the SSP in the working language as defined on board. For minor changes may be done without the need for re-approval. RSO shall verify and approve such revisions during the first planned verification on board. SSP must include instruction as to how the vessel is controlling persons seeking access and ensuring tha they able to identify themselves and their purpose with the visit to the vessel before they have gained access to the vessel. SSP should clearly state the criteria for how and whom to give access to the SSP or parts of the SSP. If an RSO previously approved the SSP obo another flag state this RSO could in principle after new approval of SSP under NMA go directly for INITIAL verification. NMA to be consulted in such cases.	SSA and SSP should be submitted in a safer manner to the RSO. SSA and SSP to be sent outside Europe can be sent electronical in password secured shipment. SSA and SSP is not to be sent in the same shipment and shall be sent separately. In any case, electronical shipment can be used as described above also with Norway and EU/EEA. Instructions to RSO 6/2017
SSAS	NMA requires that SSAS testing to be done on a regular basis: 6 months intervals - at least 1 test shall include the national contact point (JRCC-Sola) SSAS should be programmed to send alerts to: SSAS@rescue-norway.org	Instructions to RSO 6/2017RSV 01-2024 Instructions to RSO 6/2017 RSV 01-2024
Deficiencies	RSO shall notify the NMA of any ISPS-related deficiency found on NIS/NOR vessels, and without delay provide the NMA with a copy of the relevant verification report and accompanying corrective action plan. Furthermore, the RSO shall without delay provide the NMA of confirmation when deficiencies are closed. When relevant, the confirmation on closed deficiencies shall include information on any equivalent measures effectuated for the audited vessel. If the vessel is not able to implement any corrective actions while the RSO is on board, the ISSC should be withdrawn. NMA is to be notified about any such actions.	Instructions to RSO 6/2017
Overdue verification	NMA shall be notified about all audits that becomes overdue for instructions	Instructions to RSO 6/2017
Additional verification	AA shall be performed: . as a follow-up on PSC/detentions . follow-up on sub-standard audit results (after corrective actions already being implemented). NMA to be informed about all additional audit carried out.	Instructions to RSO 6/2017
Lay-up	It is a precondition that the ship has been satisfactorily secured against unauthorised access (watchkeeping arrangement) Period up to 3 months: no consequences on ISSC - the ship may then sail with its original ISSC. Period from 3 to 6 months: In addition with the above, a physical verification shall be carried out. Period of more than 6 months: the ship must be subjected to a new Interim certification. Exemptions may be granted by NMA.	Instructions to RSO 6/2017
Document of reference	Annexes I and II to the Agreement. Instructions to RSO 6/2017

Important topics

Refer to Administration letter dated 02/11/2023 in attached file “Information to RSO - ISPS Inspection follow-up”

Security records

The Security Regulations (Regulations of 22 June 2004 No. 972 on security, anti-terrorism and anti-piracy measures and the use of force on board ships and mobile offshore drilling units) Section 12, and Section 10 of Annex II to the Regulation sets the requirements for records to be kept on board for different security activities addressed in the Ship Security Plan (SSP).

According to the regulations the records of security related activities shall be kept in the working language of the ship with proper translation according to the same principals as for the SSP. The records may be kept in an electronic format but protected by procedures aimed at preventing unauthorised deletion or amendments and from unauthorised access.

Drills and exercises

Section 13.6 and 13.7 of Annex III to the Regulation regulates what is required of drills and exercises to be conducted on board a vessel with an ISSC.

Drills should be operational and designed for crew members to test and practice procedures, task or routine related to their security role and hence ensure a high level of preparedness (test of SSAS shall not be reported as drill).

Exercises and drills are to be conducted and documented to prove conformity with Annex III Sections 13.6 and 13.7 of the Regulation.

Content of SSA and SSP in terms of cyber security

With reference to Section 8.3.5 of Annex III to the Regulation, radio and telecommunication systems, including computer systems and networks should be addressed in the vessels Ship Security Assessment (SSA).

It is recommended to include a cross-reference in the SSP to the cyber security measures under the ISM Code to demonstrate the fulfilment of paragraph 9.2 of Annex II on content in a SSP.

Cyber security measures, that means radio and telecommunication systems, including computer systems and networks should be addressed in the SSP according to the Regulation.

Both the SSA and SSP should include adequate references to any other documents addressing the mentioned threats, and a reference between the SSP and the safety management system can be appropriate and recommended.

Changes to an approved SSP

The Ship Security Regulation Section 9 (4), cf. Section 9.5 of Annex II to the Regulation, regulates the possibilities of making changes to an approved SSP. The company may implement changes to the plan and the security equipment, provided that the changes do not entail less effective security measures than the approved plan, and that the company can document this. Such changes will be verified on board either by renewal or by an intermediate verification. Changes to the ship security alert system or changes to the ship or company report procedures may not be made without prior approval from the Norwegian Maritime Authority or a Recognised security organisation (RSO).

According to the above-mentioned requirement, it is within the discretion of the State to determine which changes to a SSP can be implemented.

Implementation of the SSP as regards to restricted areas

Sections 9.4 and 11.2 of Annex II to the Regulation sets requirements for the implementation of the SSP regarding restricted areas on board the relevant vessels.

Vessels and those working on board must have an updated SSP that is complied with at all times, including measures to ensure that only those with authorized access gain access to restricted areas.

SSP and security Patrols

Section 12.2.2 of Annex II and paragraph 8.7 of Annex III to the Regulation, cf. Article 3.5 of the Regulation, stipulates duties of the SSO with regards to the SSP and content of SSA.

MLC, 2006

Scope of authorisation

DMLC II
	Yes	No	Observation
Approval of DMLC II	X

Inspection & certification
	Inspection	Certification
	Inspection	Yes	No
Full recognition (Recognised Organisation (RO) is RO)	X*	X*
* Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to perform MLC services only for ships for which Recognised Organisation (RO) has issuedSafety Management certificate (ISM certificate)

Specific Flag requirements

Hospital arrangement

(Instructions to Class 2-2017, see Exemption and Interpretation)

Regulations-515 Section 12 (4) states that the number of berths required in the hospital accommodation shall be prescribed by the Norwegian Maritime Authority.

The NMA practice is to require at least one berth (bed) and one treatment bench.

The owner shall carry out an assessment to identify how many additional berths that are necessary on board the vessel. The assessment shall take into account:

number of persons on board
the vessel’s operation
duration of the voyage
distance to shore
the need for isolating sick persons
number of single sleeping rooms that can be used for isolating sick persons
etc.

The NMA instructs Recognised Organisation (RO) to review the assessment mentioned above. The assessment shall be kept on board.

Requirements for risk assessments on Norwegian vessels

(Instructions to Class 4-2017 dated 10 May 2017)

This instruction makes clear how the requirements for risk assessments on Norwegian vessels are to be interpreted. The following items are treated:

Item 1: The general rule for risk assessment
Item 2: Special risk assessment related to pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding
Item 3: Special risk assessment related to chemicals and biological agents
Item 4: Special risk assessment related to mechanical vibration
Item 5: Special risk assessment related to noise
Item 6: Special risk assessment related to artificial optical radiation
Item 7: There is no requirement for risk assessment related to quality of rest

Furthermore, the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) wishes to underline that it is the national legislation implementing the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC), including chapter 4.3 on health and safety protection and accident prevention, that decides how shipowners with Norwegian vessels shall operate in order to comply with the requirements of the Convention.

A dedicated survey item MLC500 is available in ASMS2.

For further information, refer to attached file “IC 4-2017”.

Maritime training institutes and courses

Authorizations & instructions

	INSTITUTES		COURSES
	AUDIT	CERTIFICATION	AUDIT	CERTIFICATION
Recognition for :	YES	YES
Observation(s) :	Recognised Organisation (RO) standard is recognized by NMA.

Items	Action :	Action by :
Audit report	To be submitted to HO for review and the Administration for each training center reviewed.	Audit unit
In case of MNC raised and/or withdrawal of certification	The Administration must be notified.	Audit unit / Head Office
Coordination center	Recognised Organisation (RO) Oslo Recognised Organisation (RO) Oslo	All services to be informed to Recognised Organisation (RO) Oslo in advance All services to be informed to Recognised Organisation (RO) Oslo in advance
Certificate	Definitive certificate will be issued after HO review of the report.A copy will be sent to the Administration. Definitive certificate will be issued after HO review of the report. A copy will be sent to the Administration.	Audit Unit
Document of reference	Memo dated 02/10/2013 from Recognised Organisation (RO) Oslo : DNS/2013/087932.

Appendix — Agreement governing the surveys and certification of ships

Agreement

See the attached file “Agreement_Norway_RO_01_08_2025”.

List of annexes to the Agreement

See the attached file “List Annexes_NMA_RO SA_20112025”.

Appendix — Annex I to the Agreement - Ships registered in the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS)

General authorisation from the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) to RO for ships registered in the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS).

See the attached file “Annex I_EIF_20_11_2025”.

Appendix — Annex II to the Agreement - Ships NOR registered - Limited Statutory Delegation

General authorisation from the NMA to RO for ships registered in the Norwegian Ordinary Ship Register (NOR)

See the attached file “Annex II_EIF_20_11_2025”.

Appendix — Annex III to the Agreement

Ships NOR registered - Full statutory delegation upon owner’s request

See the attached file “Annex III_EIF_01_08_2025”.

Appendix — Annex IV to the Agreement

Supervision by the NMA of duties delegated to RO

See the attached file “Annex IV_EIF_01_08_2025”.

Appendix — Annex V to the Agreement

Special authorisation from the NMA to RO

See the attached file “Annex V_EIF_01_08_2025”.

Appendix — Annex VII to the Agreement

Ships registered in the NSR and which will fly a foreign Flag after delivery from a Norwegian ship yard to the owner

Refer to:

- the attached file “Annex VII_EIF_01_08_2025”

- and to the word version of the checklists and Form as per the attached files . “KS-0815E Checklist for Trial Run Foreign flag”. . “KS-0168E Checklist for Trial Run NIS_NOR” . “Model form for Trading Permit”.

Appendix — Supervision of manning, qualifications and operation arrangements

Instruction to Class (IC) 1-2018

IC 1-2018 on supervision of manning, qualifications and operating arrangements repeals IC 4-2004 on Supervision of Manning, Qualifications and Maritime employment, Working Arrangements and Rest Hours and survey of Operational Arrangements.

See the attached file “ic-1-2018”.

Refer also to attached file:

Manning survey Check List (“IC 1-2018 Attachment 1; Survey Manning Check List”)

Appendix — SPECIFIC CERTIFICATES: NATIONAL AND BILINGUALINTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATES.

List of bilingual certificates and documents

- Certificate of test and thorough examination of lifting appliance

- Certificate of test and thorough examination of loose gear

- Certificate of test and thorough examination of wire rope

- Register of ships’ lifting appliances and loose gear

Flag instructions relating to statutory surveys

Flag procedural requirements

General policy

Agreement

Electronic Certificates

Exemption and Interpretation

Surveys conducted and certificates issued by Recognised Organisation (RO) - Clarification

Passenger ships classed with Recognised Organisation (RO)

Fishing vessels classed with Recognised Organisation (RO)

Barges classed with Recognised Organisation (RO)

Survey of non convention ships

Ships registered in the Norwegian Ordinary Ship Register (NOR) upon request of the owner

Extensions of the validity of statutory certificates required by certain international conventions

Registration in NOR

Declaration of safety to the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) required prior to registration in NIS / NOR

Tonnage

Confirmation of voluntary delegation (Cargo ships in international trade registered in NOR with gross tonnage of 500 and over)

Trading permits for trial runs, presentation or delivery voyages to ships

Untitled

Clarifications

Untitled

Status of previously adopted NIS Circulars and Instructions to Class (ItC)

Acts, Regulations and Circulars

Unscheduled inspections

Change of flag and acceptance of plans

Conversions

LL 66

Load Line surveys

Carriage of more than one Load Line Certificate

Inlets/discharges and airpipes in connection with the wells on live fish carriers

SOLAS 74

Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

Initial testing of watertight bulkheads

Safe access to bow

Means of embarkation on and disembarkation from ships

Valve in connection with piping through collision bulkhead

Malfunction of emergency generator

Lifting appliances (SOLAS II-1/3-13)

Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

Lifeboats

Equivalent arrangements

BNWAS

Medical oxygen

Fixed fire-extinguishing arrangements in cargo spaces

Servicing of inflatable liferafts

Immersion suits

Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear (MSC 402(96))

Service providers

Extension of examination period

Manual slewing of rescue boat launching davit (MSC.459(101))

Shipborne navigational equipment and systems not required onboard ships

Navigation bridge visibility

Fire protection, fire detection equipment, fire extinction system

Fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances

Disabled fire alarm and smoke detection system

Lifeboat and lifeboat boat davit

Rescue boat and rescue boat davit

Periodic launching and manoeuvring of lifeboats

Increased number of persons on board

Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate

Navigation and navigational aids

Radio-communication equipment

Non-convention Cargo ships

Fishing vessels

Occasional operation in A4 for an A3 vessel

Passenger Ship Safety Certificate

Medical oxygen

SOLAS Code

Equipment and consumables for testing the presence of toxic vapours - IBC Code

IGF Code

Approval of alternative design and arrangements for ships using alternative fuels

MARPOL 73/78

Annex I. IOPP certificate

Oil filtering equipment

Oil discharge monitoring and control system

Annex II. NLS certificate

Carriage of vegetable oils and Dual Certificate of fitness for Ship type 2 and 3

Annex IV. ISPP certificate

Temporary storage in prohibited areas/water

Malfunction of sewage treatment plant